The diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Hungary are more than a hundred years old, and the mutual trust and active cooperation in various public spheres are based on the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations, President Rumen Radev said when he honoured outgoing Hungarian Ambassador to Bulgaria, HE Tekla Harangozo, with the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class. The award is for the diplomat's significant contribution to the development of political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

In his address, the head of state highlighted Ambassador Harangozo's active role in promoting bilateral relations and top-level political contacts, pointing to the visit here of Hungarian President Katalin Novak earlier this year. Radev noted the expansion of the partnership in the energy sector, including the cooperation over Bulgaria's Solidarity Ring initiative to increase natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan. He expressed hope to build on the trend of increasing Hungarian investments in this country and consolidating Hungary as an important trade and economic partner.

The President noted that Tekla Harangozo is a sincere friend of Bulgaria adding that she was among the founders of the Bulgarian-speaking Ambassadors' Club.

Ambassador Harangozo thanked her for being honoured with a state award. She pointed out that over the past seven years of active diplomatic work her goal had been to strengthen the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Hungary.